Airship.



J. JV. sILAvIN.

AIBSHIP. APPLIoATIoN FILED 001228. 190s.

Patented Mar.2s,1911.

' a SHEET s-s'HEnT 1.

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J. J. SLAVIN.

AIRSHIP.

' Arfmoulox FILED 0012s, 190s. 988,039.

3 SHEETS-SHEET 2.

Patented Mar. 28, 1911.

J. J. SLAVIN.

AIRSHIP. APPLICATION FILED 001223. 190B.

Patented Mar.28, 1911.

3 SHEETS-SHEET 3.

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f. En s'rnans rafrnnaforrron JAMES J'. SLAVIN, OF-LOS ANGELES,CALIFORNIA'.

AIRSHIP.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented Mar. as, i911.

Application led ctober 28, 1908. Serial No. 459,938.

To all whom 'it may concern:

Be it knownvthat I, JAMES J. SLAviN, a citizen of the United States,residing at Los Angeles, in the county of Los Angelesl and State ofCalifornia, have invented new and useful Improvements in Airships, ofwhich the following' is a specification.

'This inventionV relates to air-ships and more particularly to air-shipsof the heavier than air object to provide an organized air-ship,particularly with the object of obtaining stability of the same inair-supported condition and under all circumstances tending to affectthe same with 'respect to stability, such as varying air pressure andvariation in the 4disposition ofthe load. With this object particularlyin view I provide means for producing,maintaining and conservingstability which in their operation are substantially automatic, thecondition of stability being, 'in its produc-tion, maintenance andconservation, responsive to the action of said means which latter -inturn are delicately Vand definitely responsive to variation of workingconditions and positions and the A supported load.

conditions of the vsupporting .medium and heretofore produced and Inair-ships as with varying successful operation, a general requirement`has existed that stability be maintained by predetermined action ofthe oerator or navigator, such as the applicat1on of specific'lmeans ormechanism, or .the variation of the position of the load of the airship.I

It is the primary object of'this invention to obviate the necessity ofsuch specific control of the air-ship by human supervision; and to thatend I 'provide certam means,

`mechanism and combination of parts, ele-' ments and features, whichcooperate and in- /ter-operate to the accomplishment of automaticcontrol and regulation.

With the above and other objects in view, the invention consists in theprovision, construction, association, combination and rela-4 tivearrangement of parts, members and features, all ashereinafter`described, shown in the accompanying drawings and finallypointed out in claims.

In the drawings Figure 1 is a fragmentary side elevation, Vpartlyin'longitudinal section and partly broken away for clearnessof'illustration, of an air-ship embodying'the features ofthe invention;.Fig.

type; and it has for itsA or deflecting vmembers to Y stability,

2 is a top planview ofthe same, parts being omitted and parts beingbrokenA away for clearness of illustration; Fig. 3 is a side elevationAupon an enlarged scale, and partly sectioned and broken away forclearness of.

illustration, of certain essential features of the invention; Fig. 4 isa top plan view, partly longitudinally. sectioned, and parts Vbeingomitted for -clea-rness of illustration, -of the construction showniuFig. 1; and,

Fig. 5 is a top plan view, partly broken away for clearness ofillustration, of `a modified form of construction, the same including,

' in combination certain of the other features and elements shown in theother figures and has certain additional features andelements foroperation and utilization in association with or without theaforementioned fea? tures and elements.V

Corresponding parts in all the figures are denoted by the .samereference characters.

Referring with particularity to the `drawings and to Figs. l to 4: ofthesame, Vinelusive, the improved air-ship comprises in the main, a body A,supporting or defiecting members B for the body, and means C controllingand regulating the supporting B and whereby'the latter areinter-related. The body A is, in practice, properly organized for thereception of the load and motor and the con'- venience of the operator,such featuresbeing omitted in the drawings for better illustration ofthe working parts.v According to the invention the controlling means Ccomtwo separate members or organisms a and eratively combined 'with'thesupporting or .deflecting members B` and each of which, according .toits specific nature and functions, as hereinafter set forth, controlsthe' tained. The supporting or deiiectn memb, respectively, both ofwhich' are op'- bers B, each of which is illustrate as an .aeroplane lo,'are thus operatively connected i through the*V a ency of the operativeconnections D, and v our of such supporting or deflecting members are'illustrated as em in the particular embodiment of the tion shown in thedrawings,

Invenward pairs e, the membersof each of which A pairs are arranged in aplane transverse of v ditions of the air,

the longitudiua plane of the air-ship, said aeroplanes of each pair ofthe same being disposed at the respective sides of the centrallongitudinal plane of the air-shii. It thus results that an aeroplane isprovi ed at each ofthe four corners of the air-ship, speaking in generalterms, so that said aero-V planes may ]ointly and severally operate tocause the supporting and balancing of the entirety at four points, twoof which are forward, and two rearward of the center of the body A. f

. 'lhe member or organism a of the `control ling means 'C performs thefunction of establishing and maintaining stability and l equilibrium ofthe entire air-ship in opposition to varying or relatively varyingconconstituting the supporting medium.; while the member or organism bof the controllin means function of establishing and stability andequilibrium of the relation, more particularly, to shifting of the loadof the air-ship. The members or maintaining organisms a and b vbothpreferably perform -their functions through the agency of pneumatic orhydraulic means, or both, the former of which includesan air-receiver orcontainer f. Variations in the conditions afecting the aeroplanes c, orany of the same, are caused to affect all of the aeroplanes in suchmanner that stability is established and maintained through the agencyof such neumatic or hydraulic means and the memser or organism a of thecontrolling means C. Variations in the dispositions of the load upon thebody A affect the condition of the member or organism b of thecontrolling means C which latter, in turn, affect the aeroplanes c toestablish and Amaintain stability. The member vb of the controllingmeans, in' the construction illustrated, includes a gyroscope g which isassociated with the pneumatic or hydraulic means above referred to, inits control of the aeroplanes c, as described. The particular natureof-the pneumatic and hydraulic means,' as -employed, will be hereinafterset forth. i Referring now to Fig. A5, an air-ship is illustratedembodying the features ofthe in.

vention heretofore described, and supported by lateral supportingmembers E, which are disposed, respectively, laterally of the body F ofthe air-ship. In th' tion, the parts, elements and features aboverecited, and shown in Figs. 1 to 4, inclusive,

yare provided; the same vbeing designated by loyed said aeroplanes ybeing grouped in forward pairs d and rear- C performs the t air-'shipwith lmension of each of said Y tirety.

is form of construc-l the same reference characters, as` employed inconnection with the other figures. TheA operative connections for themembers e, the latter comprising each an aeroplane 71.-, arespecifically separate andv distinct. 70 A particular preferred form of`provision, construction, combination, association land relativearrangement of parts, members and features, of an air-ship embodyingthefeatures of the invention, is as follows The 75 laeroplanes o intheirrespective forward and rearward pairs, are lirinly supported, andconnected with the body A, by the frame member or members 6. ranging'longitudinally of the air-ship. The particularjlocation of theaeroplanes c, with respect to their distancefrom the body A, is'a matterto be predetermined -upon consideration of the vworking conditions andthe requirements.v of the air-ship. The dimensions and propor- Y tionsof the aeroplanes c are correspondingly to be predetermined. For eachaeroplanes, oppositely directed sleeves are fixed to the frame member 6,as at 7 8 designating each of said sleeves, which, as illus trated inFig. 4, may be united in continuous formation. Each of the aeroplanes ispair of the which the aeroplane is vrigidly fixe the innerend ofeach ofsaid shafts is received within one of the sleeves 8, and'so accommodatedvtherein as to freely rotate. Each of the aeroplanes c is preferablyrectangular inform, and the shaft 9 which supports each of the same is.preferably arranged nearer` to the forward edge portion 10 of theaeroplane than to the opposite or rearward edge portion, thus supportingthe aeroplane eccentrically; and the greater diaeroplanes isprefair-ship as anenprovided with a transverse yshaft 9 uponconstituting an auxiliary cylinder 12 com'- municating with the cylinder11v which latter extends horizontally whenthe air-ship is in properequilibrium.' The cylinder 11 is di' vided into upper and lowerchambers, 1la and 11b, respectively, by a horizontal transverse path orpartition 13, the end portions of which arespaced from the end portionsof.- the cylinder to permit communication between the chambers 11a and11". The lower 130 17, respectively, both of which range longitudinallyof the air-ship, lthe former ranging forwardly and the latter rangingrearwardly and being connected at their outer ends with, and embodiedin, the operative connections D. The cylinder 11 is provided withdetachable cylinder heads 18, each of which has a stuffing box 19,accommodating the respective piston rod 16 or 17. Within the auxiliarycylinder 12 is mounted a'piston 20, having a stem 21 which passesslidably through a guide 22 to maintain alinement of the piston withinthe cylinder; the cylinder 11, with the exception of the spac Figs. 1and 4, such Huid being of a low degree of elasticity of compressibility,such as water, gasolene, or vegetable or mineral oils;

.and the weight of such mass of liquid is disposed upon the lower wallsof the cylinder 11 and upon the piston 20 within the cylinder 12.' Thenormal spacing or relative separation of the pistons 14 and 15 isdetermined bythe position of the piston 20 within its cylinder; suchpiston determining the height of the column ofliquid within the cylinder12. To regulate these conditions, I provide controlling means massociated with the pneumatic means employed and comprising a connectingpipe 23 extending between the lower portion of the cylinder 12 and theair container f, said pi e being controlled by valve or cock 24. gyadmission of a further quantity of compressed air to the cylinder 12beneath the piston 20, the

latter may be elevated and the pressure of the same -upon the fluidwithin the cylinder 11 and the upper portion ofthe cylinder v12 willcause the elevation of a portion of fluid from the cylinder 12 into thecylinder 11 and the consequent relative approach of the plstons 14 and15. The controlling meansm may also include an exhaust valve or cock 25,whereby compressed air may be released from the consequent relativelseparation of the pistons 14 and 15.A

The member b of the controlling means C comprises four cylinders 26, 2728 and 29,

respectively, which are supported by 'the frame of the body A, beingillustrated as connected with the cylinder- 11, as at 30, at

the inner end of-each of the same. Said cylinders are arranged in pairs,two of which are disposed at the forward portion of the body, theremaining two being disposed at- -the rearward portion of the body; andeach of said cylinders is provided with a separate piston, 31, 32, 33and 34, respectively, which pistons operate longitudinally of the bodyA; the cylinders` 26 to 29, inclusive all` ranging longitudinally of thebody, and two being disposed at each side of the longitudinal plane ofthe body. The cylinders 26 and 27 are connected by a web or flange 35,at their upper outer ends; and the cylinders-28 and 29 are similarlyconnected by a web or iange l36. Each of the webs or Viianges 35 and 36is formed into or provided with a'bearing 37; and through each of saidbearings plays one of the piston rods 16 and .17. The said piston rodsare thus caused to act in proper alinement. Through the agency oftheremaining features of the controlling means C andthe operativeconnections D, each of the pistons 31 to '34, in-

elusive, is operatively connected with one and all of the aeroplanes 0.To this end, each of the pistons 31 to 34, inclusive, is provided with aseparate piston rod, 38, 39, 40 and 41, respectively; the piston rods 38and 39 ranging longitudinally of the air-ship and forwardly, and thepiston rods 40 and 41 ranging longitudinally of the air-ship andrearwardly. Outwardly of the cylinders 26 and 27, the piston rods 38 and39 are' oonnected with the forward end portion of the piston rod 16through the agency of the connecting lever 42, centrally pivotallyconnected, as at 43, with the forward end por- `tion of the piston rod16, and provided with elongated end slots 44 receiving pins 45projectingl respectively from the forward end portions of the pistonrods 38 and 39. Each of the shafts 9 of each of the forward aero.-

planes o is provided, inwardly respectively of the aeroplanes, and inalinement with the respective piston rod 38 or 39, withan upwardlyprojecting arm 46 having predetermined angularity with respect tothebody plane of the rrespective aeroplane; and each of said `,arms 46 ispivotally connected, as

at 47, at its upper end, with' a link arm 48 which is likewise pivotallyconnected as at 49, with the respective piston rod 38 01'139.

Both of Vthe piston rods 40 and 41 are connected with the piston rod 17through the agency of a connecting lever 50 which is centrally pivoted,as at 51, in connection with thel rearward end portion of the piston rod17 of the said connecting lever 50 being .provided with elongated endslots 52 receiving pins 53 projecting respectively from the piston rods40 and41. Each of the shafts 9 of the rearward aeroplanes c is providedwithv a downwardly directed arm 54- extending at predeterminedangularity with respect to vthe body plane'of the Vrespective aeroplane;and each of said arms is connected at its outer end with the adjacentend portionbf the alined piston rod 40 or 41 by v movement of each andall of the others .of

a link arm 55 pivotally connected at one end,

movement of either of the pistons -14 and 15 within the cylinderll, willbe accompanied by movement ofthe other piston and movement of all of thefour aeroplanes; and that likewise movement o f any one of the istons 31to 34, inclusive, will be accompanled by said pistons and movement' ofall. of the aeroplanes c, vand b of the controlling means C areinterzdependent and jointly operative through the agency of theoperative connections D, to

the end that all of the aeroplanes are af fected as to their operativepositions of angularity through the operation of each of the members aand b.

Referring now to the member` or organism l b, the. controlling means C,including the gy- 5 roscope g,

` tively, which the sainev comprises four upright tubularsupports58,'59, 60 and'61, respecprojectupwardly from the air containerf. The uprights 58 to 61, inclusive, are arranged in an equall spacedgroup, in

which said supports are dlsposed at the lfoul" corners of a square.Between the outer end portion of each of the cylinders 26 tov29, in`elusive, and the air container f, at points adjacent to the respectivesupports 58, 59, 60 and 61, extends a separate air connection pipe 62. Yi

The frame .63 of the gyroscope g is provided at its smaller andupper endportion with an upwardly projectlng conical bear# ing head 64, which ismounted fof' oscillat1on or universal movement in a bearing or the upperportion of each of said .tubular which is in turn ,55 posed beveledgears 72 and 73, respectively,

76 `and 77,

seat 65 su ported at the opposed innerl corners 660i) rectan lar frames67, leach of which is connect as at`68, at the corner diametricallyopposite the c0rner 66,. with one of the tubular uprights 58 to 61,inclusive, as best illustrated'in Fig.' 3. Within uprlghts is'mountedashort shaft 69, fixed therein, as at 70, against rotation; rotatablymounted upon the shaft 69 above the upper end of the respective upright,is a collar 71,

fixed to the lower of opwhich are loosel 69. -Meshing with 73 are twobeveled tively, the axes of right angles each to mountedfupon the shaftboth of said gears 72 and gears 74 and 75 respecwhich are arranged atthe other, each of said outer ends respectively of horizontal shafts nrespectively, which extend through tubular members of, the adjacentframe 67; a separate pair of shafts 76 and 77 is provided for each ofthe pairs of bevthus,'both of the membrs'af leled. gears l74 and 75.Loosely mounted Aupon the shaft 69 above the upper beveled mutilated orsegmental ratchet 79 arranged a vertical shaft 82 which is' .the collars71 and 78 is provided 4 beneath a collar 85aiXed to the sha-ft 82 is eacollar 85; and fixed to the shaft 82 laterally of the ratchet 80 is acollar 86, above the collar 85a. and 86, respectively opposite theratchets 79 and 80, *projects a tubular housing 87 'and 88,respectively, for a separate pawl or pin 89 and 90, respectively,whichlpawls or pins respectively operate in connection with the ratchets79 and 80. vWithin each` of the housings 87 and 88 is disposed a coilspring 91 tending to force the respective pawl or pin outwardly or intoengagement with the respective ratchet. As the beveled gears 72 and 73rotate in opposite directions, under the drive'of the beveled gears 74and 75, the ratchets 79 and 80 are oppositely driven, and said ratchetsare formed so that the pawl 89 or 90 of each rides overthe 'same withoutrotating the-respective collar 85 or 86, upon rotation of the shaft 76or 77 to cause the beveled gears 72 and 73 to operate each in onedirection; and whereby, oppoeach of said pawls is caused to rotate ltscollar upon the rotation' of the shaft 76 or 77 inan opposite direction,in each case, to that above stated. The ratchet 80 and its From each ofthe collars 85 v pawl 90 cause therotation of the shaft 82 i in onedirection; and the ratchet 79 and its' lpawl 89 cause the rotation ofthe collar 85 in the opposite direction.

v As above'stated, durlng the operation of each of the pawls 89 and 90vto rotate the collar 85l or the collar 86, the other of said pawlsmoves inoperatively over the face of its ratchet. .I

The above description concerns but one of the shafts 82 and theattendant parts, together with one of the shafts 76 and one lof theshafts 77 for oppositelyrotating two of the beveled gears 72 and. 73. Itis to be understood that there are four setsl or groups of such partsand f iatures, one separate set V being associated with each of thetubular uprights 58 to 61, inclusive. There are fourl of the shaftsA 76and 'four of the shafts 77. Each of the shafts 76 isprovided at yoneend.v with a beveled gear 74 meshing with-one o-f the beveled gears 72and one of the beveled gears 73; and each of the shafts 77 is providedat one end with a beveled gear 75 'meshing with one ofthe beveled gears72 and one of the beveled gears 7 3.

The shaft 82 in each of the four installations of the same, controls theadmission of air from the container f to the respective ,l connectionpipe 62, through the agency of a suitable valve 91 atV the lower end ofsuch shaft 82. In connection with the collar 85l mounted loosely uponthe shaft 82 and projecting laterally therefrom, is an arm 92, which ispivotally connected at its outer end, as at 93, with a connecting rod94, which is likewise. pivotally connected, as at 95, with the outer endof an arm 96 vcontrolling an exhaust valve 97 of any preferred formarranged at the outer end portion. of the re- .container f to the outerend of the cylinder,

' 26 to 29, inclusive, respectively which cylin- 26 to 29, inclusive.-From the collar 85 pro-l extend between the outer end portions ofder isdiagonally opposite to such valves and the shaft 82, controllingthesame,1as clearly illustrated in Figs. 2 and 4. n

From the above description it fs manifest that lrotation of eachvertical shaft 82, namely in that direction indicated by the respectivearrow, in Fig. 2, will-.admit air from the container f to the respectiveconnection pipe 62 and to the outer end portion of the respectivecylinders 26 to 29, inclusive; and

.that rotation ofthe collar 85 in the opposite direction will operate toopen the respective exhaust valve 97 and permit the escape of compressedair from ythe respective cylinder jects a lateral'arm 98; and oppositefrom the collar 86 projects laterally an arm 9 9. Contractile springs100 and 101, respectively,

the arms 98 and 99 land the adjacent frame 67, or other convenient pointIof attachment. Said springs normally tend to rotate the collars 85 and86, respectively/,in

.opposite directions to maintain the admission valve 91 closed and theexhaust valve 97 open. The collar`85 acts upon the valve 97 through theconnecting rod 94 andthe collar 86 acts upon the valve 91 through theshaft 82.

A plurality of sets, four in number, of mutilated ratchet gears 102, twoin each4 set, are mounted respectively between the frames 67, inalternation therewith, upon short shafts 103 fixed in the sides of saidframes;

and each of said gear heads is provided with an inwardly directed arm104; the end portion of which is loosely accommodated in a separatesocket bearing 105 fixed to the upper yportion of the conical bearinghead 64. Said arms and their bearings 105 are in adjacent sets of thesame, separated by angles of 90. Each of `the gear heads 102 meshes witha separate pinion 106 rotatably mounted in pairs upon separate shortshafts 107 supported by two of the frames 67 and each of said pinions106 meshes with a. separate gear 108, two of which are xed, respectivelyto the opposed ends of shafts 76 and 77, of two of the sets of gears 74and 75. Each of the pairs of gears 108 is arranged in an open spacebetween two of the frames 67, wherein one of the pairs of gear heads 102and one of the pairs of pinions 106 are accommodated. Two of thel arms104, as. shown in Fig. 2, are preferably longer than the other two ofsaid arms, being opposed ,arms 104. And to vaccommodate such extralength, the pinions 106 and the shafts 107 of the same are omitted withrespect to the groups of elements including such longer arms 104. Thepurpose of such construction and arrangement will hereinafter be pointedout. Contractile springs 108a tend-to hold the ends of the arms 104 inengagement with vtheir socket bearings 105. To cause operation of therotatingv or spinning member 109 of the gyroscope g, which is suitablyAmounted within the frame 63,.the shaft 110 of the same is provided witha plurality of buckets or `blades 111 against which a motive medium maybe projected by operating means o whichin the present instance comprisesa exible air pipe 112 connected at its discharge end with the frame 63of the gyroscope and extending to a valve 113 through which air may beadmitted to the pipe 112 from the container f.

Referring now to the modified form. of construction, shown in Fig. 5,the same may be organized partially or completely n toto to conform withthe construction and arrangement herein above described,v

and shown in the other figures. In addition l to such construction andarrangement, however, the body F comprises .a shell or housmg 114 which,as shown, may be elliptical in form with the longest axis extendinglongitudinally of the body; and such shell or housing may contain suchof the operative features of the airship as may be desired. The lateralsupporting members E, one at each side of the body F, are rotatablymounted upon a common shaft 115 extending transversely of the body, orsaid shaft may be divided into two parts if desired. l

The axis of rotation of each of said aeroplanes .7b is preferablyfarther toward a forward edge portion 116 of such aeroplane than towardthe rearward edge portion of the same. p designates operativeconnections between the aeroplanes 71., and Said opera- 40 pendence ofall of the aeroplanes c throu hmovements of the .slidable shafts 117,one at each and the adjacent end of the respective shaft with anupwardly directed arm 123, lat the inner end portion of such aeroplane;andv between the upper end of-each of saidarms 117 extends a connectingrod 124,'which is pivotally connected with the res ective arm at oneend, as at A125, and pivota y connected with the respective shaft 1-17at the other end, as' at 126.. f

- The operation, vmethod of'use and advantages of theimprovements-in'airshi s constitutingtheinvention will be rea yunderstood from the foregoing description,

taken in connection with the accompanying.

drawings and the following statementzln the 'flight of theairship, theaeroplanes c' vsustain the entirety in'the supporting meair, their-Vdium, namely thel surrounding normal inclination-with respect totliehorizontal transverse plane of the airship presenting resistance. to theair', as required.

This normal inclination of all of tlie ae roplanes is'capable ofVariation, by variation of the normal relative positions of the pistons14 and 15 within `the cylinder 1l, which is accomplished by thecontrolhng means m acting upon the piston to' vary the height. of thecolumn of liquid in the .cylinder .12.

Itis manifest'that, because of the inter-dethe agency of the operativeconnections4 and the' controlling means C, thatany variationin thestatus or condition ofthe atmosphere supporting the airship, andaffecting-- any one of the aeroplanes 0, will afl'ect each of the otheraero lanes c; and will so affect each and all of t e other aeroplanes eas to cause a compensation, throughout. the whole series of aeroplanes,with relation t o the disturbance or interruption of .stability pro- I'duced by such .variation inworkin or supporting conditions; forinstance, 1 f a puii` of air of accelerated motion strikes thedownwardly-inclined aeroplane c at the uper righthand corner of Fig. 4,and is deected therefrom, the lpiston rod 38 connected therewith will-bemoved forwardly or outwardly, the pistonrod 39 connected' l with theaeroplane c at the lower right hand corner of Fig, 4, will be movedinwardly through 'the agency ofthe connecting lever 42, acting upon theouter end of the piston rod 16 as a. center. The piston`- rod '16 willbe forced outwardly, forcing the4 piston 15 outwardly, and forcing therod 40 and 41 inwardly in the manner to the member piston 14 inwardlythrough the medium of l the liquid in the cylinder 11. The liquid withinthe cylinder ll'will be redistributed accordingly, accommodatingthe-said movements of said pistons. The piston rod 17 will be movedforwardly,

necting lever 50, and increasing the angularity or inclination of therearward aeroplanes e, until the wind pressure is equal on all` fourplanes. These series of operations and actuatio'ns will cause'a'restablishment of stability or equilibrium of the moving thepistonthrough ythe conairship. The tendency of the airship -to rock or tiltlaterally because of the increased pressure upon'the forward left -handaero-'- ',plane4 c, engaged by a puff of air, will .be

counteracted by the increase-of inclination 1 [of the forward.l'ighthandaeroplane 0, and

the increased' resistancethereof to the air.

The increase of inclination of both rearward aeroplanes will' counteractthe tendency ofthe forward end portion of the airship to. soar orriseunder-'thepressure of a puff of air upon the forward lefthandfaeroplane4 and because .of the increased resistance afforded by theincreased inclination of the forward right .hand aeroplane. Vary'- vingeii'ectsA 'produced by variations. ofv atmospheric'conditions and airandair pressures `upon others of the four 'aeroplanes of the forward andrearward pairs, will, 11i

means a'nd the operative connections D 'to establish-and maintainstability and equilibrium ofthe entire airship.

The abdve description of operation has lbeen with respect to the' memberor or anuch pistons' 31 to 34, inclusive, within the cylinders 26 to 29,inclusive, as accompany the movements of the piston rods 38'to 41,inclusive, as abovedescribed, will be idleiin .their effect withrelation to the member or organism a.v The movements of ism `ai of thecontrolling means C.

lmanifest varying-'manners aii'ect all of the y fourv aeroplanes,through the controllingI such latter-pistons; under positive actuationororganism b of the controlling means C, are caused in 'the followingmanner :-The in all lateral of, is `constantly rotated by the voperatingmeans -o. Ifthe stability or equilibrium 'of the entire`airship be.disturbed,or interrupted, particularly by shifting of the load of thebody A, the gyroscope g still maint-ains its vertical tends to maintainsuch4 shaft 110 'extends vertically. When the bodyA is tilted in anydirectionso as to position substantially, or. osition, so that itsApredetermined with respect i gyroscope g is freeto gyrate directionsupon its support or -seat 65, and the rotating element 109 thereleavethe horizontal position, the gyroscope V g maintains -its verticalpsitiomthere being howeve a relative movement between mally, themutilated gear heads 102, are out.

of mesh with the -gears 108 orvthe pinions 106.A l]`wo of the 4pairs ofarms 104 are made longer than the other pair of -arms .104 so as topermit freedom of play or gyration o f the gyroscope g and the propermeshing ofv the gear heads 102 with the gears 108 or pinions 106, as nowbeing' described. Let it be assumed that the lower side of the body A,

[that is the side nearest to the right hand margin of the sheet, in Fig.2, is slightly depressed, due to shifting of the load. This will throwthe gear heads 102 of the arms 104 at the upper side of the body A'intomesh with the gears 108 associated therewith and cause the rotation ofthe shafts 77 of the latter so as to rotate the beveled' gears 73, atthe upper corners of Figa 2, in -the direction denoted by the adjacentarrows, and so' as to cause the beveled gears 72 at the upper corners ofFig. 2, to rotate in the directions opposite to those denoted by thearrows adjacent thereto. The beveled ears 73 whichr likewise mesh withthe veled gears 75 upon the shafts 77 will be operated in `each instancein the direction opposite that in which the opposed gears 72 rotate.Each'of the ratchets 80 fixed to the beveled gear 73 will be rotated tocause `tions of the cylinders 27 and 29.

th'epawls 90 to intermittently oscillate the collars A8 6 and the shafts82, intermittently opening the valves 91' and intermittently admittingcompressed air to the outer` end plprsprings 100 maintain the exhaustvalves 97 closed, the pawls 89 passing inoperatively over the ratchets79. When the ratchets 80 are turned so that the pawls 90 are engaged Y'with the elongated teeth 81 at the farther end of said ratchets, ortheends opposite to those engaged bythe ratchets in Fig. l2, said elongatedteeth tend .to maintain the valves 91 open, so that continuous pressureof air is admitted to the cylinders 27 and 29 through the connectionpipes 62. The admission of air, in this intermittent manner to the outerends of the cylinders 27 and 29 causes the pistons 32 and 34 :to moveinwardly of the cylinders 27 v and 29 respectively, causing the pistonrods 39 and 4 1 to increase the inclinations ofthe aeroplanes 10 at thelower side of the tilted body A, the increased resistance of suchaeroplane to the air tending to right the body A or restore it toequilibrium. Through the connecting levers 42 and 50 the piston rods 38and 40 are caused to move outwardly, and the inclinations of theaeroplanes 10 at the upper side ofthe body -A are decreased through thelink arms 48. The decreased resistance toJ the air of the last mentionedaeroplanes supplements the action of the increased incli'nation' of theother pair of aeroplanes, tending to` right the tilted body A. As thebody yA gradually rights, or is righted as above described, relativemovement of the gyroscope g and the frame- A, the` gyroscopev tending tomaintain its 'equilibrium or upright position causes a reverse.

movement of the shafts 77, the collars 87 being actuated intermittentlythrough the pawls 89 and the gears 72 to intermittently open the exhaustyvalves 97.. At the same time the pawls 90 ride inoperatively over theratch'ets .80, permitting 'the closing of the valves 91 under actuationof the springs 101. The air is thus gradually exhausted from the outerends ofthe cylinders 27 and 29, and the aeroplanes 10 all reassume theirnormal relative. inclinations through the member or organism a in themanner above described. j

From the above it will be seen that variation in conditions ofatmospheric pressure, as well as variations in center of gravity of thebody A, inasmuch as the same affect the equilibrium of the body A,aremet and provided for by the organisms or members a and b ofthecontrolling lmeans C; and that said members or organisms aI and Z) areinter-related in their functions and operations, to the end that asensitive response of the controlling means C is made to any variationof conditions of stability or equilibrium aifecting the body A and itsconnected parts and members; the specific illustrations of operationabove given being paralleled by correspondin Aoperations re. sultingVfrom variations o the conditions of disturbances resupposed.

In the modigedform of construction loo shown in Fig. 5,v the operationis the same` as that above described with the exception of that of thelateral supporting members E. These supporting members lbeinginterrelated and interoperative, 'through the connecting lever 120, itresults, from their particular mounting and operative connection, thatif a variation in atmospheric pressure affects one of the members E, soas to vary itsy inclination, the inclination of the opposite member Ewill be oppositely affected, through the slidable shafts 117 and theconnecting rods 124, so that there will bea tendency topmaintain orrestore stability, or equilibrium of the body F. rlhese members E have acompensating interrela tion automatically combining to act-for themaintenance or restoration of equilibrium.

I do not desire to be understood as limit-ing myself to the specificconstruction, provision, combination, -relative arrangement andassociation of parts', members and features shown anddescribed;'but`reserve the right to vary the same, in adapting theimprovements to varying conditions of use,

without departing from the spirit of the 5 invention and the term of thefollowing claims.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim and desire to 'secureby Letters Patent is l. Improvements in airships, comprising a bodyprovided with supporting members, and controlling means for saidsupporting members; said controlling means comprising separate membersor organisms responsive respectively to variations otatmospheric tionsin atmosphericorl organism responsive to'variation in posi-v tion ofload. .A

3. Improvements in airships, comprising a body, supporting members forthe-body, and controlling means for the supporting members;saidcontrolling means comprising separate members'or organismsresponsive respectively to variation of atmospheric being inter-related.

ypressure and support of load; and said members or organisms of saidcontrolling means 4. Improvements in airships,

a body, adjustable aeroplanes' for, the supportv of the'body, andcontrollingmeans for the aeroplanes including mechanism whereby bsaidaeroplanes are so inter-related that variation of atmospheric pressureupon one 40 -of 'said aeroplanes causes variation of inclination ofanother of said aeroplanes.

5. Improvements 1n airships, comprlslng a body, adjustable aeroplanesfor the sup port of the body,- and controllingl meansfor t5 theaeroplanes including mechanism whereby said aeroplanes are sointer-related that.

variation of atmospheric' pressure upon -one of said. aeroplanes causesvariation of in clination of the1 others of said aeroplanes.

mprovements in airships, comprising ya body provided with a plurality ofadjustably supporting aeroplanes; and controlling means includingmechanism whereby said aeroplanes are so inter-related that variation55. of atmospheric pressure upon one of said aeroplanes causes variationof inclination of the others ofsaid aeroplanes; said controlling meanscomprising'a plurality of pistons and a mobile medium affected by saidpistons.

7. Improvements in airships, comprising a body provided with a pluralityof adjustably supporting aeroplanes; and controlling 6'5 means includingmechanism whereby [said aeroplanes are so inter-related that .variationthe a ency comprising ,load of the body;

' air from the cylinder,

of atmospheric pressure upon one of Vsaid of pistons, a cylinder adaptedto contain a mobile medium forming a connection beand means for varyingvtween said pistons, the relative 'positions of said pistons.

8. Improvements 'in airships, comprising a body provided with aplural-ity of adjustably supporting aeroplanes; andcontrolling meansincludingmechanism whereby said aeroplanes are so inter-related thatvariation of atmospheric pressure upon one of said aeroplanes causes-variation of inclination of the'others of'said aeroplanes; saidcontrolling means a-lso comprising a'plurality of pistons, a cylinderadapted'to contain a mobile medium forming a connection be- -tween saidpistons; and 'means for va the relative positions' of said of saidmobile medium. 9. mprovements in airships comprising a ,body providedwith a plurality of supporting adjustably inter-relatedaeroplanes; andcontrolling Ameans for said aeroplanes responsive to variation ofatmospheric. prespistons through sure; said controlling means alsocomprisp ing a cylinder, a plurality of pistons within said cylinder andprovided each with a piston rod, and connecting levers carried bysaid-piston rods and connected respectively with saidaeroplanes.

10. Improvements in airships, comprising a body; a plurality ofadjustable inter-related `aeroplanes for the supplort of the body; andcontrolling means for t e aeroplanes responsive to variation of theposition of the comprising a 'plurality of cylinders, a'plu'- 'rality ofpistons respectively in said cylinders and respectively operativelyconnected with said aeroplanes, pneumatic means, and gyroscopic meanscontrolling said pneumatic means with respect to the admission ofcompressed air to -and exhaust of compressed air from said cylinders.11; In improvements in airships, an ad justably supported aeroplane, acylinder, a piston inthe 'cylinder voperatively connected with theaeroplane, 'a compressed air supply, valve means controlling theadmission of compressed air to the cylinder, valve means controlling theexhaust of compressedand means controlling' both said valve means; andsaid last named means permitting intermittent admission of 'air toandexhaust from said cylinder.'

said controlling means assess air from the cylinder, and gyros'copicmeans controlling both said valve means; and said last named meanspermitting intermittent admission of air to and exhaust` from saidcylinder.

- l13. Improvements 1n airships, comprising a body, a plurality ofadjustable members disposed for resistance to atmospheric pressure, andcontrolling means for said mem? bers; said controlling means comprisingseparate members or organisms responsive respectlvely to varlatlon -ofatmospheric pressure and imposition of Welght of load; and

said members or organisms of said control- A ling meansbeinginter-related.

l5. Improvements in airships, comprising a body, adjustable membersdisposed for resistance to atmospheric pressure, and mechanism vwherebysaid members are so interrelated that variation of atmospheric pressureupon one of said members causes varia- 1tgion of inclination of anotherof said memers.

16. Improvements in airsliips, comprising 'a body, adjustable aeroplaneseccentrically connected with the body, and mechanism whereby saidaeroplanes are so inter-related that variation of atmospheric pressureupon one of said aeroplanes causes variation of inclination of anotherof said aeroplanes.

In testimony whereof, I have signed my name to this specification, inthe presence of two subscribing Witnesses.

JAMES J. ysLAvIN.

